In Ohio, 2,487 children are waiting to get adopted. Just in central Ohio, nearly 300 are
waiting. As we advocate for adoption, we often talk about the importance of post-adoption support
to keep these families strong. One of those supports is the Adoption Tax Credit, because it helps
families offset the sometimes-high costs of adoptions. But that means of support is now in
danger.

White House transcripts show that President Obama has mentioned his children publicly more than
100 times in the last three years. During the Democratic convention, First Lady Michelle Obama
highlighted his role as a loving father. Republican challenger Mitt Romney is proud of his five
sons and admits he enjoys pulling pranks on them.

As heartwarming as it is to hear these fathers discuss their love for their children, it is
troubling that neither has spoken up for the more than 100,000 waiting girls and boys in U.S.
foster care, or the millions of children worldwide who do not have the opportunity to create the
family memories these men so often discuss.

With less than two months until Election Day, time is running out for politicians to speak up
for some of the most vulnerable members of society. Fortunately, there is one solution on which
candidates across our country should campaign: the Adoption Tax Credit. Making the credit permanent
would keep adoption an affordable option and help the many children who need families of their own.

Embedding the tax credit into law is the right thing to do because, as we always say, children
are our future. In these tight financial times, however, it also is important to stress that
adoptions from foster care save taxpayers money — on average, research shows, about $235,000.

Since it began in 1998, the Adoption Tax Credit has improved to help more children. Beginning in
2003, families who adopted children in U.S. foster care were able to access the credit regardless
of their expenses. This change reflected that children who have been abused have often-serious
special needs that affect their families for years.

In 2010 and 2011, the credit was made refundable, meaning that families could receive the full
amount of the credit even if it is greater than their total tax liability. This ensured that
parents with moderate and lower incomes could receive the full benefit, and made adoption possible
for more families.

Now, though, the Adoption Tax Credit is in danger. It is not refundable for 2012, and unless
Congress acts, it will virtually disappear after December 31. After that, few families will
benefit, making it harder for children to find the loving families they deserve.

In an effort to support adoption and prevent these changes, Representative Bruce Braley, D-Iowa,
introduced the Making Adoption Affordable Act, which now has 27 bi-partisan sponsors. Senators Mary
Landrieu, D-La., Roy Blunt, R-Mo., Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas and Ben Cardin, D-Md., introduced
a companion bill. As these are two bills that would permanently extend the credit and make it
refundable, Congress must act on this opportunity to ensure that all children realize their basic
right to a loving, permanent family.

Children can’t lobby, vote or make donations to campaigns. Maybe that’s why issues affecting
children haven't made it to the forefront this election season. But they must be front and center.
To quote nearly every politician who has ever run for office: “Our children are our future.”
Adoption gives waiting children the kind of future they deserve.

Rita Soronen is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dave Thomas Foundation for
Adoption and serves on the Executive Committee of the Adoption Tax Credit Working Group.